65C-33.016. Trainer Program

(1) Every Child Welfare Trainer hired after August 1, 2019 who engages in instruction of the Pre-Service Curriculum, herein referred to as “Pre-Service Child Welfare Trainer,” must apply for the Trainer Program within three (3) months of hire into a position of Pre-Service Child Welfare Trainer. Any Pre-Service Child Welfare Trainer hired prior to August 1, 2019, must apply for the Trainer Program within three (3) months of the program’s inception. If the Pre-Service Child Welfare Trainer is not a Certified Florida Child Welfare Professional, he or she must pass the waiver test before applying to the Trainer Program. If the waiver test is not passed, then the Pre-Service Child Welfare Trainer must follow requirements outlined in subsections 65C-33.010(3)-(4), F.A.C.

(2) The program provider, in consultation with the Department, shall create an instrument to evaluate an applicant’s level of content knowledge and delivery skills.

(a) The instrument must assess content knowledge, including, at a minimum: comprehension of the Pre-Service curricula, as well as policies and adherence to the fidelity of the Child Welfare Practice Model as related to Pre-Service training.

(b) The instrument must assess delivery skills, including, at a minimum: use of adult learning principles to both engage and manage content and behavior in a learning environment.

(3) Upon application to the Trainer Program, the program provider will evaluate the applicant and categorize him or her into one of the following levels:

(a) Level 1: Pre-Service Child Welfare Trainers who require both content knowledge and delivery skills training.

(b) Level 2a: Pre-Service Child Welfare Trainers who are deemed competent for content knowledge but require training for delivery skills.

(c) Level 2b: Pre-Service Child Welfare Trainers who are deemed competent for delivery skills but require training for content knowledge.

(d) Level 3: Pre-Service Child Welfare Trainers who are deemed competent for content knowledge and delivery skills.

(4) If the applicant is categorized as Level 1, 2(a), or (2)(b) after application evaluation, then the applicant will be required to complete the Trainer Program, instructed by the program provider, that addresses content knowledge and/or delivery skills as referenced in paragraphs (2)(a)-(b) of this rule. Until such time as the Child Welfare Pre-Service Trainer attains Level 3, the employing agency shall assess and provide necessary supports for the Child Welfare Pre-Service Trainer while engaging in duties related to instruction of the Pre-Service curricula.

(5) At the end of the training program, the Child Welfare Pre-Service Trainer will be assessed on content knowledge and/or delivery skills using the instrument created in accordance with subsection (2) of this rule. The applicant attains Level 3 upon a satisfactory assessment by the program provider. Once a Pre-Service Child Welfare Trainer attains a Level 3, he or she may apply for certification as a Pre-Service Child Welfare Trainer with the Third Party Credentialing Entity in accordance with the requirements set forth in rule 65C-33.002, F.A.C.

(6) If after a year the Pre-Service Child Welfare Trainer has not reached Level 3, a written plan must be established by the employing agency, based on input from the program provider, to address identified gaps in the trainer’s skills and abilities and to assist the trainer in attaining Level 3.

(a) The plan must be specific as to the steps that will be taken by both the agency and the trainer to achieve Level 3 status.

(b)The plan must be kept up-to-date by the employing agency.

(c) If Level 3 is not achieved within six (6) months of the date of the implementation of the written plan, the trainer cannot continue instructing Pre-Service curriculum.

(d) The Child Welfare Trainer may re-apply for the Trainer Program after six (6) months has elapsed in a non-training role.

(7) In order to maintain certification and stay at Level 3, the Child Welfare Trainer must complete a minimum of 20 hours of in-service training annually. Hours must include at least one (1) course provided by the Trainer Program. If Pre-Service Child Welfare Trainer certification lapses, the trainer must reapply for the Trainer Program.

(8) The requirements to become a certified Pre-Service Child Welfare Trainer will not apply to individuals who:

(a) Are teaching the Pre-Service curriculum as part of an academic program in which undergraduate or graduate students are enrolled in a college or university with the goal of attaining a degree; and

(b) Have an agreement with the Department in regard to incentive programs within Universities working to increase the eligible population of students with social work or behavioral health care degrees who may be interested in child welfare careers.

Rulemaking Authority 402.40 FS. Law Implemented 402.40 FS. History–New 5-28-18.